James was born and reared in Drew County, AR and attended schools in Monticello, AR and California. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and member of the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a paratrooper and was a Purple Heart recipient. In 1956 he entered public office, serving as Drew County Treasurer for four years. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Monticello and a member of the Optimist Club.
In 1960, he was elected Drew County Judge, serving for eight years and not seeking re-election for this office. In 1968, he went into the retail lumber business with his two sons and in 1969, he was asked to run for mayor of Monticello, following the resignation of the former mayor. He was elected from among a field of seven candidates in the race. James was well-known and respected throughout the State of Arkansas at every level of politics in local, state and Federal government.
In 1970, Mayor Jordan ran unopposed for the mayor's office and also ran unopposed in 1974 and 1978. In 1982, he was re-elected for another four-year term. He served as President of the Arkansas Municipal League in 1978-79 and also served on its Executive Committee. James was also Chairman of the Ten-County Resource, Conservation and Development Council, and organized the State Association of RC&D Councils. He also served as President of this association along with serving on the board of the National RC&D Council. Two RC&D scholarships are awarded each year to families of firemen in his honor.
He was named as liason between the Arkansas Association of RC&D Councils and the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission. Governor Bill Clinton then appointed him to Arkansas' 32-member Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Delta Commission and to the Wastewater Task Force, where he served as vice-president.
Mayor Jordan has also served as President of the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development Council, Chairman of the Board of the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, and was a member of the Board of Delta Counseling and Guidance Center, which he founded. He also served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1979-80. He was a tireless public worker as he had a keen interest in schools, highways, industrial development and human services.
James was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives and served in that capacity for 12 years representing District 92. Representative Jordan served on the Committee on City, County and Local Affairs and the Committee on Public Transportation.
In July of 1984, Governor Bill Clinton appointed him as a member of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. James received the 1985 Man of the Year Award from the Drew County Chamber of Commerce. In March of 1986, he was elected to the Southeast RC&D Council as Vice-President representing the six states that make up the Council. Governor Mike Huckabee then appointed James to the University of Arkansas at Monticello Board of Visitors.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Nichols Jordan of Monticello; two sons, Terrell Laron Jordan and wife, Carol Bond Jordan of Jonesboro and Jerry Lavon Jordan and wife, Sara Hesser Jordan of Maumelle; one daughter, Cindy Jordan Davis of Conway; one sister, Mable Jordan Echols of Bastrop, LA; nine grandchildren, Paula Jordan Beavers, Johna Anderson, Jim Bob Jordan, O'Neal Jordan, B.J. Lafferty, Lauren Lafferty Beam, Elizabeth Davis Bradley, Jeremy Hart Davis and Austin King; and eight great grandchildren, Layne, John Issac, Linley, Ava John, Vivian, Mallory, Emory and Kyra.
Condolences(57)
Sheree Niece
Clarksville, AR Friday, January 8, 2010 Dear Cindy,Rick and I were saddened to learn of the death of your father. Please know we have you and your family in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Your dad lived an impressive life of service to others. You can be proud of the positive difference he made for so many.
With love and sympathy,
Sheree & Rick Niece
bennie wilkes
houston, TX Friday, January 8, 2010 I was so sorry to hear of your loss,my prayers are with you and your family.Brooke B Tappan
Helena, AR Friday, January 8, 2010 Cindy and Tonya,So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brooke
Fred & Joyce Higgins
Delhi, LA Thursday, January 7, 2010 Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.Wanda Kulbeth-Harris
Vilonia, AR Sunday, January 3, 2010 With deepest sympathy!Leonard & Connie Beasley
Spartanburg, SC Friday, January 1, 2010 Bonnie & Cindy,Our hearts rejoice with you as you celebrate James' Homegoing even as they are saddened for you because we know how much you will miss his presence. Please know that you and all your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Connie & Beas
Merrill and Rhonda Bradley
Alma, AR Thursday, December 31, 2009 Our sincere condolences to all of the family.Merrill, Rhonda, and the Boys
Robbye LeeThompson Snowden
Plano, TX Thursday, December 31, 2009 Bonnie and Family,My sincere condolences to all of you. James was always a good friend of my family, and I looked forward to visiting with him each time I returned to Monticello.
Jerry, Paula, & Anthony Ward
Waldron, AR Thursday, December 31, 2009 Our thoughts & Prayers go out to the Jordan Family.Mary K Moore Matthews
BENTON, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.Mother and I lived behind you all, and rented your "little house". Fun times....
He was a well respected man, and served in so many important capacities.
With Love,
Mary K
Raoul Stephenson
Southaven, MS Wednesday, December 30, 2009 I remember Mr. Jordan as being one of the kindest men I've known during the years Jerry and I were good friends. He was so laid back and easy going. I loved going over to Jerry's and hanging out . It was always easy to get Mr. Jordan to show me all his "war stuff". A good example was one day I was at Jerry's. Jerry and I were about 13 and we were mowing the back yard where they lived for many years. I believe I was pushing the mower at the time when it somehow caught on fire and flames engulfed the engine and burned the mower up. Mr. Jordan was in the house and came outside and instead of getting excited and angry, he said something like "well, I've been wanting to buy a new mower for quite a while". Mrs. Jordan and family, I want all of you to know that you are in my prayers and I am thinking of you today.BOBBY PRITCHARD MASTER SGT.USAF (retd)
, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009Grew up in same community as James and always had great respect and admiration for Him, He done more for our city and county than anyone in our history,I knew him to be a Godly man that showed love and compassion for his fellowmam, and always went that extra mile to see that others needs were met, he will surelly be sorely missed by everyone that knew Him Bobby.
Lewis & Rhonda Gardner
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 James was a mentor to a lot of us when we were coming up. His knowledge and encourging words will be missed by all, as well as that smile he always had.So sorry for your loss Lewis M. Gardner
NAN CARTER
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Mr. Jordan was very loved and respected as a citizen of the county he loved so much! Our prayers are with the family..Mr.&Mrs.Mike Cavaness
, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 We wish to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. James.Phyllis Shockley
Conroe, TX Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Our family sends our sympathy and prayers in memory of Mr. Jordan. Phyllis and Mike Shockley and Ernestine ChesserDebbie Moreland
Roland, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 James Jordan was a visionary and demonstrated the finest in commitment to his community, state and nation as a public servant and veteran. It is with respect and admiration that we say "Good-bye". Our thanks to his family for sharing this outstanding man.debbie moreland
Fred J. Taylor
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, December 30, 2009 The people of Monticello and Arkansas have lost a wonderful man who made a difference in everything he did. James' ideas and leadership helped shape history and made society a better place for all of us and for generations to come.He will be missed by all of us. Janice and I extend our sympathy to Bonnie and members of his immediate and extended family.
Dr. Fred J.Taylor, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Al and Kathy Larson
Sioux Falls, SD Tuesday, December 29, 2009 My father YZ Larson from Sioux Falls, SD was James' Airborne Army buddy. YZ passed away Nov.6th. James had kept in touch with us. James was always so concerned about othersand just about the kindest man we ever met and so easy to talk to ..just down to earth..Our sympathy to Bonnie and family...God BlessJim and Julie West
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Dear Mrs. Bonnie and Family,We are so sorry about your loss. Mr. James was a dear sweet man. We thought a lot of him. Jim is out of state with J.D. and I will be out of town on Wednesday, as well. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Bless you all.
Sincerely, Jim and Julie West
Karen Aureli
Hot Springs, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone.God is with you in your moments of sorrow.Love to all.Harry L. Densmore III
Star City, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 James will be missed by many.JoAnne H. Bush
Lake Village, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 What a great man - I loved Mr. James!Melissa Dempsey
Bastrop, LA Tuesday, December 29, 2009 he will be missed.Faye Bates Lewis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 To Mrs. Bonnie, My dad, Elvin Bates, was so fond of Mr. James. As you know, he has been visiting him frequently and bringing honey to lift his spirits. When my dad told me of Mr. James' passing I could sense the loss of a dear old friend in my dad's voice. They experienced the war and many other times together as well as friendship which I'm sure is at the top of my dad's list of good things. May God comfort your family.Brenda Reed
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 I met Mr. James in 1995. You could not ask for a kinder man. He will be missed. Ms. Bonnie, you and your family are in our prayers.Our Deepest Sympathy
Ronny, Brenda & Brison Reed Families
Brenda Jasay Anthoni
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Aunt Bonnie, Terry, Jerry & Cindy-I was so sorry to get the call from mother Sunday. I know he fought a long hard battle and you were right by his side. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this time and please know we are holding each of you close to our hearts. When I ever said Bonnie I said James right along with it. You both are very special to me. Love to each of you.Pam Wadsworth
Fort Smith, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Mrs. Jordan, Cindy, Jerry, Terry,I was so saddened to hear about Mr. Jordan. The Jordan family have always been so special to our family. Mr. Jordan's radiant joy that he gave to any gathering will be remembered by me! My heart goes out to you, Mrs. Bonnie, Cindy, Terry and Jerry. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Jerry & Laura Smith
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 I cherisht the many trips we made together. I will miss them very much. You always were full of life and made everyone feal the same. There will be a big gap in all of our lives., but we all should look at the cross and thank Jesus for sheading his blood for us , because we must all look to him in the end. God speed.jack & judy belford
little rock, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 We both enjoyed James and his family !Our thoughts and prayers are with you - God bless you Jerry !
Robert Hankins
Star City, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 May God BlessLolly Cotham
, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Bonnie & Family,So sorry for your loss. I have always loved you and James and feel so honored to call you both friends.
God bless you and your family.
Lolly
Dorothy Adcock McWhorter
Bedford, TX Tuesday, December 29, 2009 On behalf of the entire Adcock family, I send our deepest sympathy to the Jordan family.James was known and respected by all of my family for his entire life. He and Bonnie were neighbors of my brother, Lewis, for many years. They had a great relationship and mutual respect for each other.
James' best legacy will be that once you met him - you would always remember him.
Theresa Clark
Conway, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Elizabeth Bradley, Cindy Davis and families - You are in my thoughts and prayers. Theresa ClarkDavid Elmore
Conway, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 To the family of James Jordan,We here at AETN's WWII Oral History Project "In Their Words" have a bond with all of the great men and women that we interview. Mr. Jordan was one of them.
His story of courage, sacrifice and service was and is an inspiration to all of us. As is evident by his post war career, he gave of himself to his community and state, again an inspiration.
We mourn his loss and revel in his service. His words surrounding his injury during the war serve to illustrate his dedication to his family and country.
Whenever I feel low I look to his story for a lift to my spirit, that his sacrifice and those of the many men, who never returned after that war, exemplify the sacrifice that their generation demonstrated so long ago.
Without their efforts we may not be free today. Mr. Jordan reminds me that we all have a contribution to give to our society. He will be remembered. He will be missed. He leaves us inspired to do what the good lord wishes us to do for our fellow man.
He holds a place of honor in my life. God bless him.
Sincerely,
David Elmore
In Their Words
Project Coordinator
David Perry
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 Bonnie , Jerry, Terry,and Cindy. Our prayers are with you and you family. Kay and I are very sadden to here of James passing. As you know James was a very important part of my life. He was a mintor for me at a young age. I was just 35 when I moved my family to Monticello. James Introduced me to every one in Drew County. He truly loved to help other people in doing whatever that wanted to do. He always had good to say about everone. I have a so many memories of spending time with James at the camp and on trips. One thing stands out in my mind when Kay and I moved into our house in Monticello the Mayor of Monticello (James) was there helping me unload the van at 9 pm That was really somethin for me to have the Mayor of a City help me move in.The Comunity has lost a true leader. The 35 years I have known him I never saw him without a smile.
As I remember him most is (Lets get some coffie and talk.)
May God comfort you at this time
David & Kay Perry
Johnnie Bolin
Crossett, AR Tuesday, December 29, 2009 To The Jordon FamilyMonticello Ar loss- is heaven gain -I salute Mr James Jordon for his lfe he was a kind and gentle man who
made life in Monticello for the better for all of its citizens,he was a man with a vision for The Monticello
area to be a growing vibrate community.Monticello
you have lost one great solider-he will be truly missed
by all-"prayers and blessings to all"
Sheila Gardner
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Jordan was always so friendly and gracious.Daniel C. Rogers, Sr.
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 You are all in my prayers. My fondest memories were the years at Caraway Deer Camp with James, Luther, and all the others, especially at card playing time. He really enjoyed life and was so proud of his family. There is no more pain, only the joy of heaven and God's love. I can just imagine him and Luther catching up on all the hunting stories of the years past. He will be missed, but his love will live in each of your hearts.Marianne Jasay-Zeno
Maumelle, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Aunt Bonnie, Terry, Jerry and Cindy,I was so sorry to hear about James last night. He was a wonderful,loving and Godly man. As I read the obituary I was reminded of all that he gave to Monticello and our state and how proud you all must be of him.
I pray that his soul is at peace now as I pray that your souls will be at peace knowing he fought a long, hard battle. God keep you in his loving arms is my prayer.
Much love to you all, Marianne
Elizabeth Foster
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with you.Billy & Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Mrs. Jordan, Terry, Jerry and Cindy: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I (Jody) am thankful for the close friendship our families have enjoyed for many years. We are praying the Lord will give your peace and comfort.PAUL & MARY MCHAN
COLUMBIA, TN Monday, December 28, 2009 BONNIE, CINDY & FAMLY, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH. THE MCHANSLarry & Janie Fuller
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Mrs Bonnie and Family,We know you all will seek comfort and guidance from God. We are so sorry about James' passing.
He was the most generous and kindest man I ever knew. His thoughtfulness and concern of other people made me feel humble in his presence. James was always so very postive and optiimistic about anything discussed at our coffee table. He was so proud of his country. He did so much for so many people and most of that anonymously.
We willl surely miss him.
Janie & Larry Fuller
Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember such good times being around Mr. Jordan and the family. He will be missed by many and made such a positive impact on Monticello over the years. May God bless you all during this time.Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Norma and I send our condolences on the loss of Mr. James. I will always appreciate and honor him for his exemplary service to our country as a WW2 decorated veteran and his further service to our county and community. May God bless you dear family.Carolyn Howell
, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Mrs. Jordan, Cindy and family,My heart breaks for you in the loss of Mr. James Jordan. I have always thought so much of him. He was a true friend to mother, Mrs. H. S. Howell and she truly counted him as a friend. He always had a wonderful smile and a hug. He will be missed but also remembered by Monticello as a great leader.
My prayers and love to you.
Andy & Terrie and Jean Briant
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jordan family.Larry & Beth Robertson
White Hall, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Our condolences to your family. James was a good man and a true friend. There won't be another like him. He will be missed.DOROTHY SHARP
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 James will be missed. He was a very nice person. To the family my prayers are with you.Juanda Craig
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 Dear Family, I am so sorry about James, I have loved your family as my own all my life. I know what you are going through, Dad's been going four years and I still miss him everyday, but by the comforting grace of God, you know where they are and they are not hurting or sick anymore. I just bet James and Dad are busying catching up and having a good time. All my love and prayers.Pat Savage
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Susan and Joe Musick
Boyce, LA Monday, December 28, 2009 Our thoughts prayers are with theJordan family. Be comforted in knowing that he is in a better place.Susan and Joe
Sandra Runde
Rapid City, SD Monday, December 28, 2009 My father and James served in WWII together. They were best friends ever since. My father died on November 6th. James and I visited on the phone several times during my father's illness. I hope that they are together now ... sharing old times. My thoughts are with the family.Kathryne & Kenneth Burton
Monticello, AR Monday, December 28, 2009 We will greatly miss Mr. James with his great smile and charming personality.The community will miss him greatly.
Kim & David Hoffman
Conway, AR Sunday, December 27, 2009 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.Barbara Hodges Higgins
Warren, AR Sunday, December 27, 2009 I am very sorry for your loss...my thoughts are with you at this time.